SEMINAR 1 - Challenges and Opportunities for Home Decarbonization: International Approaches

> Challenges and Opportunities for Home Decarbonization: International Approaches 

 
Abstract
In this seminar, we will engage with international experts dedicated to addressing the intricate challenges of home decarbonization. Each presenter will examine the unique barriers and challenges encountered in various countries, with a focus on the United States and European Union. The presenters will discuss these challenges and compare how different countries are dealing with them, giving us useful insights into their strategies. With a focused exploration of key elements—barriers, strategies, gaps, and next steps—participants will gain comprehensive perspectives on the multifaceted nature of home decarbonization initiatives. The seminar places a strong emphasis on cross-cultural learning, underscoring the importance of extracting valuable lessons from the experiences of different countries. By fostering this international exchange of insights, the seminar seeks to instigate collaborative efforts, and a better understanding of home decarbonization key issues and solutions.

Date and Time

> February 7th, 2023 at 9am (Pacific Time) / 12pm (East Time) / 6pm (Brussels Time)

 

Video Recording

> Find the video recording [HERE]

Speakers

Nan Zhou - Senior Scientist of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Nan ZhouDr. Zhou is a Senior Scientist of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She leads several international energy and climate change related research programs with a focus on the largest emitter China. She was the Group Leader of the China Energy Group and Head of the International Energy Analysis Department. Until 2022. Dr. Zhou currently serves as the Technical Program Manager for the Net Zero World Action Center, an initiative launched by the U.S. government to work with countries to implement their climate ambition pledges and accelerate transitions to net zero, resilient, and inclusive energy systems. In addition, she is a Co-Chair of the Academic Advisory Committee of California -China Climate Institute. She is an Advisory Board Member of Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre under APEC. Dr. Zhou served as the Director of the $100M presidential bilateral program U.S.-China Clean Energy Center-Building Energy Efficiency (CERC-BEE) between 2012-2021. She also served as a Lead Author for the chapter on Mitigation and Development Pathways in the Near- to Mid-Term of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. She received the 2017 R&D100 Award for the BEST City tool, 2020 R&D100 Award for the BETTER tool,  and is the finalist for 2016 C3E Awards for mid- career women’s leadership and achievement. Dr. Zhou’s expertise includes energy and emission modeling, energy efficiency for end use sectors in buildings and industry; and on low carbon city development. Prior to LBNL, she was an assistant professor in two universities in Japan for four years. She has more than 300 publications including ones published in Nature Energy.

Clara Camarasa - Energy efficiency policy analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Clara CamarasaClara is Energy Efficiency Policy Analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA), as one of the buildings experts her work involved data analysis, capacity building and policy advice for emerging economics in their transition towards net zero carbon, particularly on the building sector. Clara current leads the programme associate at UNEP-DTU Partnership focusing on the development of analytical frameworks and tolls to ensure the decarbonization on the heating and cooling system, including the implementation of feasible energy-efficient technologies, integration of renewable energies along with smart solutions to reduce energy consumption and the related emissions in the built environment. Clara holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Chalmers University in Sweden, with postdoctoral research at UNEP-DTU.

João Pedro Gouveia - Principal researcher at Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE)

Joao Pedro GouveiaJoão Pedro Gouveia holds a PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies from the NOVA School of Science and Technology of NOVA University of Lisbon (PT). He is a Principal Researcher at the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE) and thematic line coordinator at CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute. He is an invited Professor at ISEC Lisbon and FCT-NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal. He has over 15 years of experience in research, consultancy and teaching activities, international funding acquisition, project leadership, and team management. His experience also spans the participation and coordination of multilevel policy support and technical studies, and he takes part in multiple EU projects advisory boards. João has a strong scientific impact being the author of over 40 peer-reviewed articles in international high-impact factor journals (with more than 2800 citations) and has contributed to presentations at over 100 national and international conferences/events. João Pedro is part of the Coordination team of the EU Energy Poverty Advisory HUB for DG Energy of the European Commission, Founder and Board Member of APEEN – Portuguese Association for Energy Economics, and Co-Founder of RegenIntel, a US-based consultancy.